Joule Thief

[TheNOP]

@dog812

to add to jeanna's post here
you are not limited to only parallel or only series leds connections.
it can be a mix of both.
ex: 5 set of 4 leds in series connected to 5 different pickup coils.

it is hard to tell what is your problem since i never had one like your.
you can try jt's coils variations. ex:  6T8T, 6T10T

you will get more if you split the 2 jt's coils 180 degree from each other and put the pickup coils inbetween.
they must not go over the jt's coils, because the turns that will be over them will affect them more.

i know your application have a space restriction.
maybe a toroid is not the best thing to work with in your case.
try with a nail or other piece of iron.

[electricme]

@Bill,
I just took a look at that video you posted where you have planted the 5 LB magnesium block, atta boy, you are getting some more volts too and amps coming up soon also.

Very nice video.

Now, I think you will get more out of your setup by exposing more cross-sectional area to the earth, just make the electrodes bigger.

Good job Bill

jim

[electricme]

@Jeanna,
There is always a happy moment when reading the posts, I had a good chuckle at these remarks of yours, ha ha.

Add the turns carefully or add them til the light blows.
Then add resistance until the light doesn't blow anymore.

You will blow lights this way, but you won't need a scope! 
capiche?

Whats the motto here? geta scope, saves the LEDs 

jim

[electricme]

@Wilby,
Very nicely made JT powered beer light, and I see you want to also setup a solar cell to recharge it during the day, good thinking there.

Well done sir.

@Bill,
I made that suggestion way back on the localjoes forum.
My thinking is, the greater cross-sectional area you can expose with the EB then you will get more ma building up to Amps.

You could test this by connecting your DMM in ma to the JT, then remove the 2nd carbon electrode, watch the DMM then reattatch the 2nd Carbon electrode.
I've been keeping my eyes open for any broken magnesium rims, no joy so fer.

jim

[stprue]

@Mk1 & The NOP & Wilby

Thank you for the info's on the last posts I made, I'm pretty sure I uderstand what you all were saying!